Coming out of the All-Star break, the St. Louis Cardinals were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in a matchup between two National League clubs still deciding whether to buy or sell ahead of the trade deadline. That series may have clarified things for both sides. Now just two games over .500, the Cardinals appear to be leaning toward selling, as their pricey roster doesn’t seem built for a serious postseason run.
President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak confirmed as much to reporters on Monday. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mozeliak admitted the team’s recent slump is “shaping deadline thinking” and said there has been growing interest from other clubs in St. Louis’ soon-to-be free agents.
Mozeliak also noted that he plans to consult with veterans holding no-trade clauses—namely Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas—before making any decisions. Though it’s unlikely those three will be moved, several other Cardinals without trade protections are already viewed as likely candidates to be dealt.
RP Steven Matz
In the final year of his four-year, $44 million deal, Steven Matz has found a second life in the Cardinals’ bullpen. Initially signed to be a starter, his inconsistent rotation performances eventually led to a full-time relief role—one that has suited him well in 2025.
Matz has been effective in 29 appearances this season, logging 52 innings with a 3.29 ERA and a career-best 1.14 WHIP. He limits walks and thrives on contact, relying on a sinker-heavy mix with a solid curve and changeup. While his $12.5 million salary might be steep, teams seeking a steady middle reliever—or someone capable of spot starts—may find Matz appealing. With no long-term commitment, his contract is easier to absorb, and the Cardinals could use his departure to create opportunities for younger arms.
Among St. Louis’ trade candidates, Matz is arguably the most likely to be moved, allowing the team to recoup value on a deal that hasn’t fully panned out.
SP Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde’s trade stock is low, so expectations for a return are modest. Still, on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, Fedde’s durability might attract suitors. He hasn’t missed a start all season, and the Cardinals remain committed to boosting his value—even if other starters in the system may be more deserving of the innings.
Fedde returned to the majors last year after a stint in Korea and performed well with a 3.30 ERA across 31 starts. He was acquired by St. Louis at the 2024 deadline in a failed playoff push. Now, he’s once again on the trading block, though his 2025 numbers are less flattering: a 4.83 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and just 58 strikeouts in 98.2 innings.
Command issues and hard contact are plaguing him this season. While he’s not a frontline addition for a contender, Fedde could serve as an emergency option for a playoff team dealing with injuries.
RP Ryan Helsley
Ryan Helsley is by far the most valuable trade chip the Cardinals have. The 31-year-old closer is set to hit free agency this offseason. Although the team could theoretically re-sign him, incoming baseball operations chief Chaim Bloom seems poised to retool the roster. Helsley’s production has dipped slightly, suggesting it may be the right moment to deal him while his value remains high.
A top-10 finisher in last year’s NL Cy Young race, Helsley isn’t quite at that level now but remains one of the premier bullpen arms expected to be available. He has a 3.18 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over 34 innings, with 37 strikeouts.
His WHIP and hard-hit rate are concerning—hard contact is up to 44.3% from 35.4% last season—but his electric fastball-slider combo still makes him a weapon in late-game situations. Capable of reaching triple digits, Helsley brings playoff experience and closer-level stuff, making him a prime target for contenders. If St. Louis is rebuilding, he’s likely the piece that brings back the biggest haul.